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Solar System

  • E2-01: WORLD GLOBE

    E2-01
    Illustrate the globe
    This is just a standard globe of the planet earth with latitude and longitude lines marked.
    E2

  • E2-03: CRATER FORMATION MODEL

    E2-03
    Illustrate how a crater forms as a result of an impact or a blast from below.

    Drop a steel ball onto a dish of sand. The ball becomes partially buried and a crater forms.

    Bury the end of the hose in the sand using the plastic strip attached to the end of the hose, and smooth out the sand. Using lung power, blow in a blast of air and notice the crater that forms.

    A generation ago there was a debate among geologists and astronomers as to the origin of lunar and terrestrial craters. This demonstration illustrates two ways in which craters can form.
    E2, LS2

    e2-03a

  • E2-21: PHASES OF THE MOON

    E2-21
    Show the relationship between the phases of the moon and the relative earth-sun-moon positions.
    With the lecture hall dark, a point source illuminates the globe (the slated sphere from A1 is recommended) from various positions. Phases from crescent to full moon show up very clearly.
    A2, LS1

  • E2-31: SOLAR SYSTEM MODEL

    E2-31
    Illustrate the approximate angular disposition of the planets around the sun.
    The model consists of a central sun with radiating arms holding the planets. Positions can be adjusted to conform to reality.
    E2

  • E2-32: EPICYCLE MODEL - PTOLEMAIC SYSTEM OF PLANETS

    E2-32
    Illustrate the epicycle nature of Ptolemy's model of the solar system
    This device consists of a rotating wooden disc on a stick. Steadily rotate the stick around its end while simultaneously rotating the smaller disc. The dot in the light area on the disc represents a planet.
    OS1

  • E2-34: BASIC ORRERY (PLANETARIUM)

    E2-34
    Demonstrate the sun-earth-moon spatial relationship and related concepts..
    This device, known as an orrery, illustrates how the earth's rotation causes day and night, how the earth's revolution around the sun and the tilt of its axis causes the seasons, and why the moon has phases.
    E2

  • E2-35: PLANETS - RELATIVE SIZES MODEL

    E2-35
    Illustrate the relative sizes of the planets

    The "planets" are scaled to their actual sizes so that they may be compared. Each planet is identified.

    In the picture, clockwise beginning at the left rear: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Earth, Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Pluto.
    E2

  • E2-36: DENSITY STRATIFICATION - FORMATION OF PLANETS

    E2-36
    Demonstrates how density stratification (differentiation) in interior of planets occurs.
    Heavy balls represent dense material (e. g., iron or nickel). Light balls represent light material (e. g., silicates). Use wooden plank to vigorously mix the balls, then remove the plank and watch heavy balls settle. Mixing simulates the hot molten interior of a young planet. Settling simulates differentiation in molten interior of an older planet.
    E2, P4

    e2-36a